>>126891986 (OP)les pauls are big, heavy, expensive, and have intonation problems. I would probably go for a stratocaster if you can find one for a good price, since they're pretty versatile. telecasters are also very good guitars although not really appropriate for metal (although it really depends on what kind of metal he's into. you could definitely play old school stuff like 'sabbath or 'maiden on one). if he's mostly into playing super heavy stuff get him a schecter with active pickups. great guitars and usually not too expensive, especially used. oh, and DO NOT buy a guitar with a 'whammy bar" (often mistakenly called "tremolo" or "term" arms/bars)